Curling bar with dynamically rotating grips

ABSTRACT

A curling bar with dynamically rotating grips includes a curling bar having a pair of grip assemblies that are positioned evenly between two spaced apart weight receivers. Each grip assembly includes a circular grip receiver sized to receive a grip insert having a grip. The grip insert is equipped with a series of slide bearings which allows the grip insert to rotate within the circular grip receiver. The rotational position of the grip insert within the grip receiver can vary depending on the rotational force exerted by the weightlifter&#39;s wrists and forearms. More particularly, the grip insert, and associated grip, will rotate to minimize any stress placed upon the weightlifter&#39;s wrists.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains generally to devices used in the field ofphysical fitness. The present invention is more particularly, though notexclusively, useful as an exercise device, and more specifically, abarbell having rotating grips for use in weight training.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Strengthening the human upper body has long been a popular activity.Long ago, the activity was practiced using a dumbbell which consisted ofa short bar equipped with a weight on each end, and formed with a gripportion in the middle of the bar. The weightlifter could grasp the gripportion and focus training on specific muscle groups. For instance, bystanding with the dumbbell at his waist, and bending his elbow to “curl”or raise the wrist and forearm upwards, the biceps are strengthened.Also, by standing with the dumbbell being behind the weightlifter'sshoulder with his elbow bent, pushing the dumbbell upwards strengthensthe triceps. Also, by lying on his back and holding the dumbbelldirectly above his chest, pushing up towards the sky in what is called a“press” strengthens the triceps, pectoral, and other major musclegroups. Other strengthening exercises are well known in the art whichmay utilize one dumbbell or a pair of dumbbells—one in each hand.

In addition to the dumbbells which have been used for many years, so toohas the barbell. A barbell consists of an elongated bar formed with apair of grip portions in roughly the middle portion for grasping withthe weightlifter's two hands, and equipped with a weight receiver oneach end of the bar. By placing weights of different sizes on the weightreceivers, a barbell of different weights could be constructed.

In use, a weightlifter grasps the barbell at two sides of the middleportion, and lifts the barbell. Similar exercises to those completedwith the dumbbells discussed above are also performed with a barbell.For instance, by standing up with the barbell at the weightlifter'swaist and bending his elbows to raise the barbells upwards, a “curl” isperformed strengthening the forearms and biceps. Similarly, with theweightlifter lying down and pushing the barbell upwards from his chest,a “press” or “bench press” is performed thereby strengthening thetriceps and pectorals.

Because the weights placed on a barbell can be very heavy, it isimportant to have a proper grip on the grip portion of the barbell.During exercise routines, it is also important that the weightlifter'sgrip be consistent with the exercise being performed. For instance, thegrip in a curl exercise may be very different from an exercise in apress exercise.

However, the grip portion of the barbell is fixed as part of a rigidsteel bar, and often perfectly linear. As a result, even though the gripportion may be in a proper position for a weightlifter at the start ofthe exercise, it is likely that the fixed grip portion of the barbellwill be in a non-optimal position during at least a portion of theexercise. For instance, when performing a curl exercise with a barbellhaving a linear bar and fixed grip portion, the weight lifter's handsare in an acceptable position at the start of the exercise. However, asthe barbell is raised upwards, the wrist has a tendency to rotate as theelbow bends upwards. Because the grip portion of the barbell is fixed,there is a significant amount of strain placed on the weightlifter'swrist and forearm.

When lifting weights using a typical straight-bar barbell, there is anoticeable inability to adjust position of the grips for wrist rotation.This shortcoming results in injury caused by excessive torsion on thewrist and forearm, including pulled muscles, strained ligaments, andother injuries requiring orthopedic treatment.

There have been several attempts to overcome the shortcomings of astraight-bar barbell. One such attempt was disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,8676,444 which issued to Castillo for a “Crip Apparatus ForWeightlifting Bar.” This device included a pair of conical grip elementssized to be positioned over the barbell grip. As the weight lifterraised the barbell, the conical grip elements would rotate about thebarbell grip to minimize strain on the weightlifter's wrists andforearms. The Castillo device, however, did nothing to address thetorsion strains placed on the weightlifter's wrists during the exercise,but rather focused only on the bone alignment instead of the musculaturestrains.

Another device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,334,113 which issued toRoepke for a “Multi-Position Grip System for Barbells.” This deviceincluded a pair of circular rings, rotatably intercoupled by a bar andaxially coupled with a pair of weight-supporting bars fitted withweights, with each ring being concentrically and rotatably coupled witha par of arcuate members to provide multiple axes of rotation of ahandgrip. While the Roepke product addresses the need for providing amulti-positional grip, it is cumbersome and difficult to control duringweight lifting exercises because of its complicated linkage.Specifically, the intercoupled circular rings can result in the pinchingof the weightlifter's wrists by the grips themselves, and is verydifficult to control the position of the weights. Moreover, themetal-on-metal design of this device will result in a high level offriction being created. This is particularly so in cases where thework-out equipment is used outdoors where moisture may increase theformation of rust on metal components.

A significant problem associated with increased friction and rustincludes the inability to operate the weight bars correctly. The rustwill cause the hand grip to “freeze” or “stick” in place, and couldpresent a significant risk of injury to the weight lifter.

In light of the above, it would be advantageous to provide a barbellhaving a grip that can adjust to accommodate the weightlifter's gripstyle and physiological positioning to minimize the strain placed on theweightlifter's forearms and wrists. It would also be advantageous toprovide a dynamically positioned grip which adjusts throughout a weightlifting exercise to minimize strain placed on the weightlifter's wristsand forearms. It would further be advantageous to provide a barbellhaving a grip which, though moveable, still provides a high degree ofcontrol of the barbell. It would also be advantageous to provide abarbell having a resistance to moisture damage and a high degree ofreliability to avoid the risks of injury to the weightlifter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The curling bar with dynamically rotating grips includes a curling barhaving a pair of grip assemblies that are positioned evenly between twospaced apart weight receivers. Each grip assembly includes a circulargrip receiver sized to receive a grip insert having a grip. The gripinsert is equipped with a series of slide bearings, preferably made ofdelrin material, which allows the grip insert to rotate within thecircular grip receiver.

The rotational position of the grip insert within the grip receiver canvary depending on the rotational force exerted by the weightlifter'swrists and forearms. More particularly, the grip insert, and associatedgrip, will rotate to minimize any stress placed upon the weightlifter'swrists.

In use, a weightlifter can grasp the grip within each grip insert androtate the grip to a position most comfortable for the exercise beingperformed. As the weightlifter proceeds through the exercise and hiswrist and forearm rotate, the grip and associated grip insert rotatewithin the grip receiver to maintain a proper rotational orientationcorresponding to the wrist and forearm position thereby minimizing thestresses placed on the weightlifter's arms.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention will becomemore apparent to those skilled in the art after considering thefollowing detailed description in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference numerals designate like partsthroughout, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the curling bar with dynamicallyrotating grips of the present invention showing a curling bar formedwith a pair of grip receivers each having a grip insert formed with agrip;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the curling bar with dynamicallyrotating grips with a grip assembly shown in an exploded view toidentify the cooperation of the grip receiver, grip insert, associatedbearing materials, and spring retaining clip;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the curling bar with dynamicallyrotating grips of the present invention taken along line FIG. 3-3 ofFIG. 2, showing the placement of upper, lower, and circular bearingmaterials, and detailing how the assembly is retained together with thespring retaining clip;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of thecurling bar with dynamically rotating grips of the present inventionshowing the placement of upper, lower, and circular bearing materials,and detailing how the assembly is retained together with the retainingband rigidly fastened to the grip receiver;

FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, depict a weightlifter performing a “curl” exerciseusing the curling bar with dynamically rotating grips of the presentinvention and demonstrating the rotation of the grips as the exercise isperformed in order to minimize the stress placed on the weightlifter'swrists and forearms.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring initially to FIG. 1, the curling bar with dynamically rotatinggrips of the present invention is shown and generally designated withreference numeral 100. Curling bar 100 includes a linear bar 102defining an axis 103 and having a pair of spaced apart rotating gripassemblies 104 and 106, having grips 108 and 110, respectively. On eachend, bar 102 is formed with a weight receivers 112 and 116, and positionstops 114 and 118. As shown, weight receivers 112 and 116 are shown tobe what is known as “Olympic” weight receivers, however, other stylesknown in the art, including the “standard” weight receivers and collars,are fully contemplated herein.

Referring to FIG. 2, a perspective view of the curling bar withdynamically rotating grips 100 is shown, with grip assembly 106 shown inan exploded view to identify the cooperation of the component parts.More specifically, grip assembly 106 includes a grip receiver 150 formedwith a base flange 151 and an interior circumferential groove 152. Alower slide washer 153 which serves as a rotational bearing, is seatedagainst base flange 151, and a circular band bearing 154 is positionedwithin the grip receiver 150.

A grip insert 156 having a circular ring 158 and formed with a grip 110is inserted within grip receiver 150 such that circular bearing band 154is between grip insert 156 and grip receiver 150. Once in position, anupper slide washer is positioned within grip receiver 150 over gripinsert 156, with a retaining washer 162 held within grip receiver 150with a spring clip 164 which seats firmly in circumferential groove 152.

As described herein, slide washers are contemplated to be a low frictionmaterials, such as Teflon, polypropylene, nylon, delrin, or similarlyfunctioning materials. It is to be appreciated, however, that in analternative embodiment, in place of the slide washers, a frictionreducing material, such as bearing grease. This alternative, however, isnot optimal because of the risk that grease would escape from the gripreceiver creating a slippery grip and possibly result in injury to theweightlifter.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the curling bar with dynamicallyrotating grips of the present invention taken along line FIG. 3-3 ofFIG. 2, showing the placement of upper, lower, and circular bearingmaterials, and detailing how the assembly is retained together with thespring retaining clip. More specifically, grip assembly 106 includes agrip receiver 150 formed with a base flange 151 and an interiorcircumferential groove 152. A lower slide washer 153 which serves as arotational bearing, is seated against base flange 151, and a circularband bearing 154 is positioned within the grip receiver 150. The gripinsert 156 having a circular ring 158 and formed with a grip 110 iscaptured within grip receiver 150 such that circular bearing band 154 isbetween grip insert 156 and grip receiver 150. An upper slide washer ispositioned within grip receiver 150 over grip insert 156, with aretaining washer 162 held within grip receiver 150 with a spring clip164 which seats firmly in circumferential groove 152.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a cross-sectional view of an alternativeembodiment of the curling bar with dynamically rotating grips of thepresent invention is shown. This embodiment partially resembles device100, and includes a grip receiver 150 formed with a base flange 151. Alower slide washer 153 which serves as a rotational bearing, is seatedagainst base flange 151, and a circular band bearing 154 is positionedwithin the grip receiver 150. Grip insert 156 having a circular ring 158and formed with a grip 110 is inserted within grip receiver 150 suchthat circular bearing band 154 is between grip insert 156 and gripreceiver 150. Once in position, an upper slide washer is positionedwithin grip receiver 150 over grip insert 156, with a retaining washer162 held within grip receiver 150 with a circular washer 172 held inplace with fasteners 174, such as screws or other fasteners known in theart.

FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, depict a weightlifter performing a “curl” exerciseusing the curling bar with dynamically rotating grips of the presentinvention and demonstrating the rotation of the grips as the exercise isperformed in order to minimize the stress placed on the weightlifter'swrists and forearms. Specifically, the present invention, as used by theweightlifter 200, minimizes the stress on elbows 202 because as theweightlifter proceeds through his exercises, grips rotate through anangle 204 to minimize stresses on his wrists and forearms.

A particular advantage of the curling bar with dynamically rotatinggrips of the present invention is that a weightlifter can perform manydifferent exercises using the device, and without the need to set thedevice down or re-position his hands. For example, a common practice forweightlifters is to perform “super sets.” These super sets include agroup of exercise sets performed sequentially with no delay betweenthem. For instance, a super set may include the following: a set of 10curls which focus on the central biceps and pectoralis; a set of 10“hammer” curls performed with the grips in vertical orientation whichfocus on the lateral portions of the biceps, the coraco-brachialis andthe brachialis anticus; and 10 back-arm extensions focusing on thetriceps.

The ability of the weightlifter to rotate the grips 360 degrees freelywithin the grip receiver facilitates the performance of super sets, andany other combination of exercises without repeatedly having to stop andre-position the hands. Moreover, because the grips in the grip receiversmay be positioned in any angle within the plane of rotation, theweightlifter can utilize the curling bar with dynamically rotating gripsof the present invention to focus development of specific muscle groups.This is a particular advantage over any previously available curl barsas the ability to dynamically rotate the grip position with a gripreceiver provides the weightlifter with an unlimited number ofmuscle-specific exercises. Further, the rotation of the grip allows theweightlifter to rotate his wrist to a specific position for an exercise,however, since the rotation is dynamic, the grip will rotate prior to anoverstraining of the muscle or ligament occurs thereby minimizing therisk of injury to the weightlifter.

While there have been shown what are presently considered to bepreferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be apparent tothose skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can bemade herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention

1. A curling bar, comprising: a center bar having a first end and asecond end and defining an axis; a pair of grip assemblies, each saidgrip assembly attached to said center bar and coplanar; each said gripassembly having a weight receiver extending therefrom and opposite saidcenter bar; each said grip assembly having a grip receiver sized toreceive a grip insert formed with a grip wherein said grip insert isrotatable within said grip assembly.
 2. The curling bar of claim 1,wherein the grip insert further comprises a grip extending diametricallyacross the inside of the grip insert.
 3. The curling bar of claim 2,wherein the grip insert is formed with a gripping surface.
 4. Thecurling bar of claim 1, wherein said grip assembly further comprises acircular bearing sleeve within said grip assembly and between said gripreceiver and said grip insert.
 5. The curling bar of claim 4, whereinsaid circular bearing sleeve is made from a synthetic material.
 6. Thecurling bar of claim 5, wherein said circular bearing sleeve is madefrom delrin.
 7. The curling bar of claim 4, wherein said grip assemblyfurther comprises: said grip receiver formed with a base flange and aninterior circumferential groove; and a spring clip sized to be receivedin said circumferential groove to capture said grip insert in said gripreceiver.
 8. The curling bar of claim 7, wherein said grip assemblyfurther comprises: A lower slide washer disposed between said baseflange and said grip insert; and an upper slide washer bearing washerdisposed between said grip insert and said spring clip.
 9. The curlingbar of claim 4, wherein said grip assembly further comprises: said gripreceiver formed with a base flange; and a circular washer sized to bereceived within said grip receiver to capture said grip insert in saidgrip receiver.
 10. The curling bar of claim 9, wherein said gripassembly further comprises: a lower slide washer disposed between saidbase flange and said grip insert; and an upper slide washer bearingwasher disposed between said grip insert and said circular washer.